CCD Response to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015
October 27, 2015
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities' (CCD) Fiscal Policy Task Force commends the House and Senate leadership for negotiating the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (BBA). This compromise represents a step in the right direction. It is designed to restore order to the federal budget and appropriations process, and will allow for the preservation of much needed programs for people with disabilities. A functioning, effective federal government is critical to people with disabilities who disproportionately rely on government services to live, learn and work in their communities.
We commend the negotiators for reaching a deal that provides relief from sequestration and raises the budget caps for discretionary programs in Fiscal Years 2016 and 2017. The package provides welcome stability in the appropriations process and avoids a devastating 20% benefit cut in 2016 for Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries and their families. Without this action discretionary programs supporting people with disabilities would face potentially devastating cuts. The bill provides certainty for FY 2016 and FY 2017 and paves the way for passage of appropriations bills through regular order. However, we will be working closely with members of Congress and the administration to make sure some of the provisions included to offset costs of the agreement are implemented in a way that does not harm people with disabilities.
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is a broad coalition of national organizations working together to advocate for national public policy that ensures the education, self-determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society.
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